24/06/2009  Happy Valley  Race 6

While in the holding stables, ELITE FORTUNE had its left hind foot replated. ELITE FORTUNE was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, BABY WAVE, which was travelling wide, was ridden along to go forward. Also after passing the winning post on the first occasion, BEAUTIFUL CHOICE began to over-race and proved very difficult to settle. At the same time, UNIQUE SPEED was steadied to obtain a position with cover. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, ISTIDE failed to muster speed. In the middle stages, ELITE FORTUNE proved difficult to settle and for a considerable distance was steadied away from the heels of GOOD DISHES. Before the 400 Metres, WHIPLASH, which was endeavouring to shift out, was bumped by LASKER. At the 400 Metres, YOUNG HERO was checked when crowded for room between UNIQUE SPEED which shifted in slightly and ELITE FORTUNE (W Pike) which while continuing to prove difficult to settle shifted out when being steadied away from the heels of GOOD DISHES which had commenced to give ground quickly. In the circumstances, W Pike was reminded of his obligation to do his utmost to protect his fellow riders. After the 400 Metres, MELLIFLUOUS was steadied to avoid the heels of GOOD DISHES which continued to give ground. Throughout the race, LASKER travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, J Lloyd (UNIQUE SPEED) said he had been asked to ride his mount in 4th or 5th position if possible. He said UNIQUE SPEED began well, showed good early speed and travelled forward without being ridden along to do so. He said approaching the winning post on the first occasion he noted a number of runners to his inside were being ridden vigorously to go forward, he therefore felt it was in the best interest of UNIQUE SPEED to steady his mount to obtain a position behind the speed as instructed. He said as he did this a number of runners continued to improve on his inside and as a consequence he was obliged to come back to a position slightly worse than midfield to obtain cover as instructed. When questioned, Y T Cheng (SPEEDY STAR) explained from an awkward barrier it was felt if the horse was ridden in a forward position as usual, it would be obliged to travel wide and without cover. He was therefore asked to take SPEEDY STAR back to a position around midfield to ensure it had cover. He said because of this in the early stages he steadied SPEEDY STAR, however, was required to travel in a position worse than midfield to carry out his instructions to obtain cover. GOOD DISHES was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, GOOD DISHES was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said the horse was noted to be making an abnormal breathing noise and had previously been reported to be a "roarer". The performance of GOOD DISHES, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, GOOD DISHES will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. ISTIDE and SPEEDY STAR were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of ISTIDE and SPEEDY STAR after the race did not show any significant findings. WHIPLASH and BEAUTIFUL CHOICE were sent for sampling. <25/6/2009 Additional Veterinary Reports> GOOD DISHES, which finished tailed out, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time the horse was noted to be making an abnormal breathing noise and had previously been reported to be a “roarer”. GOOD DISHES was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer C H Yip this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to have a very stiff action. As previously advised, GOOD DISHES will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.